1. Engine and Clutch: The engine generates power and sends it to the transmission through the crankshaft. The clutch, located between the engine and the transmission, allows the driver to engage or disengage the engine's power from the transmission.
2. Transmission: The transmission is a gearbox that contains multiple sets of gears with different sizes. These gears are connected to different shafts within the transmission. When the driver shifts gears, the transmission selects the appropriate gear ratio by engaging the corresponding gears.
3. Driveline: The driveline consists of a series of shafts, universal joints, and differentials. The driveshaft connects the transmission to the differential, which is located in the rear axle (in most rear-wheel-drive vehicles) or the front axle (in most front-wheel-drive vehicles). The differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is necessary when turning or driving on uneven terrain.
4. Axles and Wheels: The axles are connected to the differential and extend to the wheels. The wheels are mounted on the axles and rotate as the axles turn. The gear ratio between the transmission and the final drive (the gears in the differential) determines the overall torque and speed of the wheels.
5. Synchronous Mesh: To smoothly engage and disengage gears, many modern vehicles use a mechanism called synchronous mesh. This system utilizes dog clutches or synchronizer rings to align the speeds of the gears before engaging them, reducing the grinding of gears.
6. Gear Shift Linkage: The gear shift lever in the vehicle's cabin is connected to the transmission through a gear shift linkage. This linkage allows the driver to select different gears by moving the gear shift lever.
It's important to note that the exact configuration of gears and driveline components may vary depending on the vehicle's design, whether it is rear-wheel-drive, front-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive, and the specific transmission type used.
